Cold weather guide

On coldframe has a certain resemblance to one Glasshouse, Cold frames are available in different sizes. Among other things, they serve as a framing of a garden bed. On coldframe is rather shallow and thus allows the cultivation of plants and young plants. These plants usually do not reach a very high altitude. Cold frames are created to protect plants from the cold. This happens as soon as the particularly hard frosts are already over in the year. Cold frames, just like greenhouses, need a sunny spot as possible. The heat of the sun should be used for the plants and support their growth. The frame of the cold frame covers the area of ​​the soil. In addition, a cover belongs to the equipment of cold frames. This should be easy to open and lose weight. Cold beds offer the advantage that the plants are already exposed to the weather and are already hardened when the cover is open. In the final planting of crops in the field, the plants are then no longer so sensitive.

Which plants are suitable for the cold frame?

When the worst frosts are over, plants can enter coldframe be set. Rapid germination is achieved by the heat of the sun. Also helpful is the protective cover, which protects the young plants from the cold and other weather conditions. It is also possible to have young plants in the coldframe to pimp. The most common plant in the coldframe is the salad, either cultivated as a seedling or pikiert. He can be harvested very quickly. Other popular cold frame plants include radish, kohlrabi, spinach, radishes and various herbs. There are sensitive plants such as the cucumber, the cultivation of the entire season in the cold frame is possible.

What should be considered when buying a cold frame?

Who wants to buy a cold frame, should pay attention to some aspects. A very important factor is the stability of the cold frame. It should be especially weather-resistant to keep it for several years. Particularly advantageous is a box-shaped cold frame, which should be easy to open and close. This allows the bed to be covered on cold or frosty days as needed. In strong sunlight makes a sunscreen

Sense.

When should a cold frame be used?

A cold frame can already be used in mid-March. Too much negative temperatures should not be expected. If the cold frame is a subsoil compost, Manure and seeding earth receives, it is even more timely to use. The special nutrients create the effect of underfloor heating, which protects against frost.

Construction of the cold frame

The construction manuals of cold frames may vary depending on the manufacturer. In any case, the respective building instructions for the cold frame should be observed. First, the box for the cold frame is assembled. For a stable stand, it should be buried in the ground. Thereafter, the attachment of the cover takes place. It should be fixed in such a way that it withstands storms and gusts of wind and does not fly away.

Self-made cold frame – Does it make sense?

If you want to build a cold frame on your own, you should bring some craftsmanship. It requires careful planning regarding the material to be used. If the cold frame is to be made of wood, the construction is extremely expensive. Scantlings and boards are to be cut and assembled. Also the treatment with wood protection is necessary. Homebuilding does not necessarily have to be cheaper. Therefore, buying a cold frame usually makes more sense.

Product example for a cold frame

The manufacturer Beckmann offers the cold frame model Allgäu. It has a width of 101 cm, a height of 50/57 cm and a depth of 136 cm. It is also equipped with 16 millimeter „Longlife Plus“ polycarbonate multiwall sheets that are highly insulating. The manufacturer grants a 20 year warranty on the aluminum profiles. The bridge triple plates are guaranteed for 10 years. The structure is simple. An earth anchor keeps the cold frame stable on the ground. The window lift profile is adjustable in several stages. This guarantees optimal ventilation. The opening height is 56 cm. So also higher plants find their place in this cold frame. The pitched roof ensures good light. The roof can be opened on both sides and makes comfortable sowing, planting and harvesting possible. Any extension of the Frühbeetes Allgäu is also no problem. Separate accessories include an automatic window opener. This allows the window to be automatically opened and closed by solar energy depending on the temperature.